Prevention
Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women — and largely preventable. Know your numbers.
Overview
What is happening?
Heart health deserves attention earlier than many realize. Risk rises after menopause as estrogen declines, but habits built in earlier decades make a real difference. Blood pressure, cholesterol, activity, and not smoking are the foundations.
Women's heart attack symptoms can differ from the classic chest-clutching picture — including fatigue, nausea, or jaw and back pain. Knowing this can be lifesaving.
Reassurance
What's normal
Heart rate variation
Your pulse naturally changes with activity and stress.
Worth attention
What to watch for
Signals worth raising with a clinician — not causes for alarm.
Rising blood pressure
Elevated readings over time deserve management.
Unusual fatigue or breathlessness
Especially with exertion, worth discussing.
Chest pain or pressure
Call emergency services — don't wait.
Sudden shortness of breath
With sweating or nausea, treat as an emergency.
Self-advocacy
Questions to ask your doctor
Bring these to your next visit. Good questions lead to better care.
What are my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers?
What's my personal heart-disease risk?
- Last reviewed
- March 2026
- Reviewer
- Dr. A. Reviewer, MD (Cardiology) — placeholder
- Evidence
- Strong
References
- Peer-reviewed guidance (placeholder)